How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

There is no such thing as complexion perfection. No matter how well we take care of our skin, there is always room for  a little improvement. And as we get older, we may find the problems that needed fixing when we were 20 are not the same as when we are 40. I just entered the 40 club and I am loving it. I feel more confident about myself and I also feel the need to focus on me. And part of focusing on me is taking better care of my skin. I have been doing some research on what kind of products that my skin needs and below are the solutions that I came up with.

How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

If you are a woman of color in your 40s, chances are you have just started to see some fine lines and wrinkles. Well, so is the case for me anyway. I have also noticed other age-related problems like loss of volume and occasional dryness. My face was oily for as long as I could remember, but in my late 30s, I started experiencing dryness. This is the kind of revelation that makes you wonder what other part of the body will start looking like the Sahara desert. According to Brooke Jackson, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, fair skinned-women in their 40s will notice sun damage as splotchiness and hyper-pigmentation. He also mentioned acne and premenopausal dryness, which yours truly is already experiencing. Now how do we deal with these issues?

1. Use the right cleansers

How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

Any milky or creamy cleanser will do. I have been using Dove lately and my skin is loving it. I used Irish Spring shower soaps before that. But I have learned in my early 20s that women with acne prone skin should use a face wash with salicylic acid.

2. Apply the right oils

How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

When you are in your 40s, you feel the need to use some oil on your face at some point, especially around winter time. Whether you use the oil before or after using your cleanser, you have to make sure that you have the right oil. Argan and coconut oils are light and work great on my face. I use Argan oil after my cleanser or  coconut oil before. Never both. And I only do that when the winter weather is harsh on my skin.

3. Don’t forget your serums and moisturizers  

How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

The best serum that I have used so far is Clear lift Revitalizing Serum by Valentia. It smells like orange and goes clear on the skin. I also use straight up lime juice on my face during the summer. In addition, I  have  used POND’S Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream. Always use a serum or cream that contains vitamin C or E. If you are concerned with eye puffiness, don’t forget to use eye serum that contains the same ingredients.

4. Your skin needs toning too

How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

Most toners contain vitamin E that softens the skin and adds elasticity. Dickinson’s hydrating toner is one of my favorites because it removes impurities without over-drying the skin.

5.  Sunscreen is not only for Summer

How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

I did not think that black women could get sun burned until I vacationed in Jamaica. The same is true for Haiti and other countries in the Caribbeans. But exposure to the sun over a long period of time can cause major damage to the skin, even cancer. Nowadays most of the moisturizers and face creams that we use contain UVA/UVB SPF 30 or 50 to protect the skin. Using sunscreen daily can save your skin and your life.

6. Stop Sagging skin with the right night cream

How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

You’ve probably heard the saying “black don’t crack.” But I say black will crack if you don’t use the right moisturizer. I have just started to see some cracks. It actually started in my late 30s. Never neglect your neck. If the skin is not cracking up there, it might be cracking down there. Use a good night cream on your face and around your neck to avoid sagging skin and wearing turtlenecks for the rest of your life.

7. Take care of your lips

How I Take Care of My 40-year-old Skin

The face is not that simple. It is composed of so many parts. We have the eyes, the nose, the lips, and the part around the mouth where the parenthesis start forming after we reach a certain age. Whether you use a 5-in-1 moisturizing lipstick or just a simple lip balm, always make sure your lips are on point and crack-free.
Do you feel comfortable in your own skin?  No advice that I give here can help you if we don’t have the same skin type. Only your dermatologist can prescribe the right medication and skin care routine for you. The most important thing is to know what your issues are and discussing them with your doctor. Self-care equals self-love. If you find yourself taking care everybody else but yourself, you need to figure out what’s wrong and start changing things around.

               What are some of your favorite beauty products?

 


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Nerline Germain
Nerline Germain

I am a content writer and Amazon influencer, but I am first a wife and mother. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading a good book while having a nice glass of Merlot or Pinot close by. My goal here is to share my experiences with you. Hopefully, you will learn from my mistakes.

Find me on: Web | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook

12 Comments

  1. Jackie Harrison
    September 22, 2017 / 9:53 am

    This its why your skin looks beautiful doll keep it up its working for you. Have a lovely weekend.

  2. September 22, 2017 / 7:04 pm

    Great products and Yes some of us will crack if we don't moisturize & moisturize some more. I have to wear sun protection everyday, because back in the day. .the baby oil on the face trend. . gave me so many sun spots. Keep smiling Sis.

  3. Lenya
    September 22, 2017 / 9:17 pm

    Great skin routine, Nerline. To use the right products is so important. It took me ages to find the ONE night cream that does all the things I want to and need to, of course. Still haven't find the right toner, I might give that Dickinson's a go. Happy Friday, sis. Luv ya!!
    kisses
    Lenya
    new look: Midsummer Dream

  4. Sonya K
    September 22, 2017 / 11:33 pm

    I'm getting closer to 40. So I really need to start a good skincare regimen. I should probably start by trying a milk based cleanser like you suggested. My skin is getting drier with age too.

  5. September 23, 2017 / 5:33 am

    These are all great tips, Nerline! I have just learned in recent years the importance of sunscreen for us women of color. I'm constantly tweaking and working on my skincare regimen as my needs change as well as the seasons. Will def be using your pointers- especially using the right oils to make sure I'm taking the best care of my skin. Thanks for sharing!

  6. Subha Bose
    September 24, 2017 / 5:34 pm

    Lovely post. I agree with you, it is absolutely essential for us to take care of us.

  7. The Glossychic
    September 27, 2017 / 2:49 pm

    seriously, it's hard to believe you are 40. You take really good care of yourself.
    The Glossychic

  8. October 17, 2017 / 11:28 pm

    I like Nivea for the body. For the face I like Clinique, Aesop, L'Occitane and Estee Lauder. Remembering the neck is a great tip. The neck and the hands are usually forgotten as we focus on the face.

  9. May 16, 2019 / 4:21 am

    The right foods affect the look of your skin from the inside out, much like how your skincare products work when applied directly to your skin.
    Powerful antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and purification qualities exist in abundance in many of your favorite foods. And I’m willing to bet that some of your most crave-worthy treats are on the list!
    Let’s take a look at some of my most loved foods – they’re delicious, and I know they nourish my skin in the best possible way.
    Top 10 Foods For Great Skin!
    read more!

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